Obituaries

Helen Ann (Houston) Decker, 89, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2018 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ, following a long illness. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, she then resided in Convent Station, before settling in her summer home in Monmouth Beach, where she has lived for the past 20 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert S. and Helen L. (Engel) Houston; her husband, Kenneth M. Decker, Sr.; her brothers, Edward K. and Robert E. Houston; and her sisters-in-law, Sue and Joan Houston. Surviving are her two daughters and sons-in law, Kathryn M. Decker-Scheetz and Thomas and Anne C. Bogner and Joseph, all of Monmouth Beach; her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth M. Decker, Jr. and Linda of Far Hills; her four grandchildren, J. Matthew Bogner and Danielle of West Long Branch, Elizabeth A. Bogner of Monmouth Beach, K.M. Jake Decker of Far Hills, and Helen Ann D. Scheetz of New York City; and her three great-grandchildren, Francesca and James Bogner and Nicodemus Bogner-Booth.

Americo “Rick” DeNoia – Prominent Monmouth County Lawyer

Americo “Rick” DeNoia, 66, died after a short illness at Riverview Medical Center on March 22, 2018.  He was born in Summit New Jersey in 1951, the son of the late Americo and Angelina DeNoia. He graduated Summit High School in 1969. He then went on to college at the University Of Virginia, from where he graduated in 1974. While at UVA he was President of his fraternity. He earned his law degree cum laude from Seton Hall University in 1978.  After passing the bar, he started his law practice in Monmouth County initially in a group practice and then later in solo practice in Red Bank NJ.

Craig C. Sergeant passed away unexpectedly on March 22 at the age of 71 in New Brunswick, NJ. Craig was born in 1946 to Raymond and Dorothy Clarke Sergeant in Red Bank, NJ. He grew up in Red Bank, graduated from Red Bank High School in 1964 and then from Albright College in Pennsylvania in 1968. He lived his entire adulthood in three different homes in Fair Haven, NJ, a town he adored and planned to never leave. 

Craig was known among his family members and friends for his dedication to his family and his close and loving relationship with his wife, Pamela. Pam was his high school sweetheart and best friend. They were happily enjoying and celebrating their 50th year of marriage. Their relationship exemplified a model for love and respect. He was dedicated to his three children and six grandchildren. He enjoyed being involved in their lives and activities, perennially the consummate fan, audience member, coach and teacher. 

Henry A. Diodato, 77, of Red Bank, NJ, passed away on March 10, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. As he departed this life, he was surrounded by his loving daughters. 

Henry is a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School and a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Henry’s military service was followed by a long career with Linden Motor Freight and Stavola Construction. He will be remembered for his amazing sense of humor, his love of 50’s music earning him the nickname “The Big Bopper,” enjoying a good cigar, and being a devoted husband, father,  and grandfather. 

Walter T. Wolejsza, 92, was reunited with his wife, Ann, on March 7, 2018. He was born and raised in Brooklyn and resided in Lincroft for the past 59 years. He met Ann while working in the Defense Industry in the 1940’s. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War 2in the Philippines. He served in the Korean Conflict as well. 

Walter worked for New York Telephone Company and later retired from Lucent. He was a Life Member of the Lincroft Fire Company. Walter was also a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He had a passion for golf, bowling, and was an avid sports fan.

Marian Ryan Kittell Tuttle, 94, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2018, at home.  She was born in NYC to John and Clementine Ryan and lived in Monmouth Beach and Oceanport most of her life.  Marian attended and graduated from Monmouth Beach Grammar School, graduated from Long Branch High School in 1941 and Newark State Teacher’s College in 1948.  She was an elementary school teacher and educator who taught primary grades in Elizabeth, West Long Branch and Monmouth Beach before retiring in 1985.  

Marian was also a well known watercolor artist.  Many of her works are in private collections nationwide. 

Richard L. "Pop-Pop" Bennett SR, 88 of Fair Haven, passed away after a brief illness on February 28, 2018 at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank. He was born at Riverview Hospital, Red Bank, "when it was a house".  Richard was a lifelong resident of the Two River area and would frequently comment how much he enjoyed growing up there, especially with sailing memories on the Navesink River, as well as lifeguarding at Ship Ahoy and Sandlass Beach Club. He attended Rumson Fair Haven High School, and graduated Red Bank Regional High School. He attended the Peddie School as well as Bucknell University. He retired as president of the J.C. Williams Outdoor Advertising Company in Asbury Park.

Edmund (Ed) E. Matejczyk, 67 of Sea Bright, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18 at Monmouth Medical Long Branch.  Ed was born in Holyhead, Anglesey, North Wales, GB, the Son of the late Peter and Hilda (Ellard) Matejczyk.  Raised in Rumson, he graduated from Rumson Fair Haven High School.  He was well known in the area for his honesty, reliability and admirable dock building skills.

Ed loved his Chris Craft Dory and going on fishing trips.  He enjoyed horse racing, watching the NY Giants and golfing with friends.  Ed had a passion for cooking and loved to whip up amazing meals for all.

Laverne Haase age 87, was called Home to join her late husband Edward Haase Jr, on February 19, 2018. Laverne was born in Washington, Missouri to Viola and John Breeden. She was one of seven children. While working in St. Louis as a registered nurse, Laverne met the love of her life. Ed swept her off her feet to Fairfield Connecticut, where they raised their four children. Her strong sense of family and welcoming way, made it easy for her children’s friends to call the Haase residence there second home. Laverne loved to cook, bake pies for a local restaurant, throw parties, play cards and always looked forward to the family summer road trips. 

After her children were grown, she and Ed moved back to Missouri. Laverne coveted family time, playing bingo, going to the riverboat casinos and just sitting around a table talking and laughing for hours on end.

Rumson – Rosalie C. Ramsey, 102, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2018.  Rosalie was the daughter of George and Amelia Christie. She was a communicant of Holy Cross Church and the Church of the Nativity. 

Rosalie was a member of the Rumson Garden Club, the Rumson Country Club, the Seabright Beach Club and the Seabright Lawn, Tennis & Cricket Club.  She was an avid bridge player.